FOP sues Fenty administration over FOIA request

The D.C Fraternal Order of Police, which is backing Vincent C. Gray in the mayor's race, filed suit Tuesday against Mayor Adrian M. Fenty's administration for its alleged failure to respond to an information request about how the city police department works with Peaceoholics.

In the suit, filed in D.C. Superior Court, the FOP seeks judicial relief because it alleges the administration "has delayed its response" to an information act request filed last month.

The request, filed with the Office of Chief Technology Officer, seeks all documents between Jan. 1 2007 and July 17, related to how the police department responds to requests from Peaceoholics and whether the agency uses government resources to assist the group. The request also seeks information on whether the police department has ever evaluated whether Peaceoholics is effective.

Under D.C. law, government agencies are expected to comply with a Freedom of Information Act. request within 15 days, although a 10-day extension can be granted in "unusual circumstances."

Krisopher Baumann, chairman of the local FOP lodge, said the administration has yet to respond.

The court filing highlights Peaceoholics role in the mayoral election between Gray and Fenty. Peaceoholics co-founder Ronald Moten is a key advisor and supporter of Fenty.

Baumann said the FOP, which endorsed Gray in May, decided to file its information request because police officers are skeptical of Fenty and Moten's claims that Peaceoholics is effective in reducing crime and youth violence.

"All I hear is they did great things, so I just want to see something from the department that they did X and then given what Fenty and Moten are saying, they did X really, really well," Baumann said. "We give awards all the time. I have never seen these guys get an award. Stop talking about it, show us."

"He is not credible," Moten said. "I have invited him to go out on the street with us but not one time has he come to do it."

Peaceoholics, a gang prevention and youth mentoring organization, has collected millions in city grants and contracts since Fenty took office in 2007, as the administration consistently turned to it to help fight crime and provide youth services.

Last year, Peaceoholics received at least $5.1 million from the city, including $4.4 million to build a group home for at-risk youths in Southeast Washington, according to an analysis by the Washington Post published in June.

But the full extent of city funding to the organization remains murky because not all city records are available and the group has not filed its 2009 990-form with the Internal Revenue Service.

Last week, the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services responded to a FOIA request from the Washington Post filed in June seeking information about its contracts with Peaceoholics from 2005 through 2010.

In 2006, DYRS had $119,000 in contracts with Peaceholics. By 2008, those contracts swelled to nearly $1 million. In 2009, DYRS had $675,000 in contracts with Peaceoholics to "reduce youth violence" and enhance "youth's ability to navigate day-to-day realities and environmental situations," according to the agency's FOIA response.

Last year, Peaceoholics received at least $5.1 million in tax dollars, including $4.4 million to build a group home for at-risk youths in Southeast Washington. In 2006, DYRS had $119,000 in taxpayer funded contracts with Peaceholics. By 2008, those contracts swelled to nearly $1 million. In 2009, DYRS had $675,000 in taxpayer funded contracts with Peaceoholics to "reduce youth violence" and enhance "youth's ability to navigate day-to-day realities and environmental situations."
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I think it is more than reasonable to demand proof of success beyond rhetoric by this group. Going out and walking the "hood" with the "hood" Ron Moten doesn't demonstrate effectiveness.

Ron is just protecting the welfare gravy train guaranteed to him under a Fenty Administration.

Oh come on. I am most grateful the FOP for doing this. Asking for accountability is never unreasonable. If there are not any problems with the finances and performance of Peacoholics then put the info out there. This is done all the time and expected from any groups or agencies who receive funding. Please, I am asking the Washington Post to share the info they received via their FOIA to DYRS. There are concerned citizens who have been trying in vain to get responses from Peacoholics and DYRS. Thank you again to both FOP and the Post for doing this. It's not about political tactics - it's about doing the right thing. After refusing to share info with others in dc including the families of crime victims all that Peacoholics and Mr. Moten need to do is put up the information. Doing that would mean there is no story here.

Ron Moten and the Peaceoholics are crooks. They have received millions of dollars from Fenty and they sure as heck don't want to lose their "cash cow" Fenty must go.At least Gray will be honest about where the city's money goes and not be "giving" it to a group like the peaceoholics or frat brothers.

PR: You used to be very sane and cogent and not one to decend to the depraved levels of those that you claim to dislike. More and more, that is exactly what you have done. More like Ron Moten that Ron Moten.

You, more than anyone else, know that Vincent Gray's platform isn't about disrespecting Fenty. You may disagree with his style of inclusive governing, but he is certainly not disrespectful. In fact, you know that Fenty does more to incite anger and hatred than anyone else.

From day one, Fenty was an unpopular candidate in many wards of the city. Even before Gray announced his candidacy.

I don't think that boo's are helpful for any candidate. However, they are not one sided. Had you seen the 20-something paid Fenty campaign youngsters, at the behest of Moten, surround and intimidate a Gray supporter following the Ward 8 forum you'd know what I mean and this happens at every forum. Moten is willing and able to incite mob violence and he knows it. He uses it to his advantage and it stands a good chance of getting him arrested if it occurs on election day or results in someone getting hurt prior to.

I believe that Grays is more of a Mayor Williams transparent, inclusive style to governing that lends itself to community input. This is part and parcel in total opposition to the Fenty style of governing. If you like that style, so be it, your choice. However, I just don't think that is the most productive way to bring communities together to get things done.

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